7 Mistakes Every Parent Makes Over The Holidays

As hard as it is to believe, the holiday season is already upon us. Gasp. We know. Where has the time gone? I know we say it every year, but this year really did just fly by.

While the holidays are a time to celebrate with family, give a little extra, and over indulge in festive food, movies, and décor, they also typically bring with them a tad bit of parental oversight.

This cannot be true, you say. Oh but it is.

Whether it is the feel good holiday movie magic, the vibe of the buzzing shopping centres, the effects of that extra glass of holiday sangria, or simply exhaustion, every parent falls victim to at least one holiday mistake each December.

If you have no clue what we’re referring to, and are confident that you are not included in this category, take a look at our list below of the 7 mistakes every parent makes over the holidays.

We told you so.

Over Spending On Your Child

We know, we know. Your child is just so cute and so smart and they deserve it. But do they need it? More than likely the answer is no. Make sure to set a budget for yourself, and don’t buy any presents for them that you haven’t budgeted for.

Over Spending On Yourself

Put it down. Whatever it is you were about to buy as an early Christmas present to yourself, don’t.

Making It A Competition

It sets a horrible example for the children and it goes against everything the holidays are supposed to be about. Do not try to out gift anyone, don’t go into frenzy if the neighbor’s lights are nicer, and don’t throw parties just to show off.

Putting The Rest of Your Life On The Backburner

This one can be difficult because we often don’t realize we’re doing it. We get so caught up in preparing for the holidays, whether it be buying gifts, throwing parties, decorating, or baking up a storm, that we forget our day-to-day lives still go on.

Using Santa to Threaten/Bribe Your Child

This one can be quite tempting. Using the “Santa won’t come” card if your child is misbehaving or not doing their chores typically works like a charm. That is, until they realize that this is an empty threat and those presents will indeed be under the tree.

Leaving Things Last Minute

Because being a parent isn’t stressful at times as it is, let’s add in the extra stress of last minute shopping, decorating, baking, planning, etc. The holidays are hectic as is, and leaving things until the last minute is basically like punishing yourself for procrastinating.

Being A Bad Santa

Kids are more clever than we think, most of the time that is. Maybe you forgot to eat the cookies and milk they set out or maybe Santa somehow used to exact same wrapping paper and has the exact same writing as you. Little details like this can warrant a lot of questions from the little ones that you probably don’t want to try and weasel your way out of. Be a good Santa and make sure these little details are taken care of.

Most Importantly

Like we said before, every parent makes mistakes on the holidays, whether it be procrastinating, competing, leveraging, or splurging.

The best way to avoid these holiday mishaps is by remembering what the holiday season is truly about: spending quality time with the ones you love.